In devised theatre, no one knows what the end product will look like—not the performers, nor the creative team. They start with an idea, a question, a piece of music, a set, and build something completely new.  And while many theatre artists who are creating this type of work that might be defined as "devised," disagree on that categorization, the fact remains the same: the work is collaborative, the work is experimental, and the work is exploratory.  

As we explore the creative processes of Pig Iron Theatre Company and Elevator Repair Service Theater, we attempt to capture an ounce of the incredible creation these two theatre companies are doing each year through the devised technique of theatre, however they choose to define or not define it.   

For more information on Elevator Repair Service Theater visit https://elevator.org.

For more information on Pig Iron Theatre Company visit https://pigiron.org.

American Theatre Wing’s Working in the Theatre documentary series features the most fascinating people on the stage, behind the scenes, and in the audience. From Tony Awards® and Obie Awards® winning artists to the next generation of theatre makers, we capture theatre’s innerworkings, industry luminaries, and unique stories that surround important work.

American Theatre Wing, founder of the Tony Awards® and home of and the Obie Awards®: for more information visit https://americantheatrewing.org.

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